Several Monklands community centres are to reduce to term-time opening only as a Culture NL cost-saving measure.

The eight affected facilities are Airdrie centres Calderbank, Caldercruix, Glenmavis and Rochsoles; Coatbridge centres Calder, at Carnbroe, New Townhead and Old Monkland community wing; plus Salsburgh community centre.

Users will now be offered alternative premises for the 14 weeks per year in which the centres will be closed, with the new policy due to begin on June 29, at the start of the school summer holidays.

The Monklands centres are among 26 facilities affected across North Lanarkshire, as the local authority arm’s-length organisation makes the move to save £400,000.

Politicians Neil Gray and Alex Neil called the holiday closure plan “outrageous” – saying it could adversely impact long-running groups and that the alternative facilities on offer are not convenient for the affected communities.

They noted that Salsburgh groups are being offered the use of centres in Chapelhall and Petersburn, while the Glenmavis alternatives are in Whinhall or Airdrie town centre, and queried the availability of suitable public transport.

Mr Gray MP said: “Areas like Salsburgh and Calderbank desperately need a village centre that offers groups and clubs for all ages. The repercussions of this move will be felt for many years to come.

“For many folk, going to groups and events in their local community centre can be the only interaction they have with other people for days on end.

“Do the powers-that-be not realise the damage that this move will do to already struggling villages?